President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s development by prioritizing technology, food security, and global partnerships drawing inspiration from successful emerging economies like Brazil.
During an engagement with the Nigerian diaspora community in Brazil on Tuesday, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria must position itself at the forefront of Africa’s progress through innovation and reform.
“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” he stated.
A statement released Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Technology, Bayo Onanuga, described the President’s visit as a strategic effort to deepen bilateral relations and draw lessons from Brazil’s development model.
“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level,” Tinubu noted. “Today, Brazil’s advancements in technology and agriculture are remarkable. We must ask ourselves—what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. Now, we must act.”
Addressing the Nigerian community, Tinubu praised their contributions abroad and called on them to become active partners in building a more innovative and inclusive Nigeria.
“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity and dedication reflect the Nigeria we are working to build,” he said.
The President acknowledged the economic hardship caused by ongoing reforms, comparing them to “bitter medicine” that is essential for long-term recovery and growth.
He also highlighted recent diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering international collaborations in technology, manufacturing, and cultural exchange.
Among these initiatives is support for a cultural voyage led by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, inspired by a project Tinubu initiated as governor of Lagos State.
“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realised. The time is now,” Tinubu said.
He urged unity among Nigerians at home and abroad, calling for collective passion and responsibility in the nation’s rebuilding process.
Earlier, Chika Emmanuel, Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Organisation in Brazil, pledged continued support for national development.
He noted the growing number of Nigerian scholars in Brazil as evidence of the diaspora’s investment in education and capacity building.
“When I assumed office, we had just three PhD students. Today, we have 296 Nigerian scholars in Brazil most on scholarship,” Emmanuel revealed.
Responding to questions on the need for additional consular offices, including one in São Paulo, Tinubu asked for patience, citing resource constraints and the need for strategic deployment.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, also described the meeting as a historic step in strengthening Nigeria’s relationship with its diaspora.
He underscored the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil, and the potential for renewed collaboration.
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